Front Range

You can trigger an avalanche on weak layers buried two to three feet deep. Expect snow and wind to build thick slabs that effectively hide shallow areas of the slope where you are more likely to trigger a giant slide. You may not see cracks in the new snow, but don't let a lack of instability at the surface move your focus from deeper, weak layers. If you trigger an avalanche in the surface snow if may step down to these deeper weak layers. You can find safer riding by avoiding slopes steeper than about 30 degrees.